15 more NGOs voice objection to new labor bill

JAKARTA (JP): Fifteen non-governmental organizations from around Java are opposed to the controversial bill on manpower because it neglects the rights of migrant workers.

The nine-member delegation took their objection to the House of Representatives yesterday and were met by Armed Forces (ABRI) faction members.

"The bill makes no mention of migrant workers," said Tati Krisnawati from Women Solidarity. "This means that the draft law does not protect migrant workers' rights."

The NGO activists insisted that the future law should specify migrant workers' rights and their families' while they are away from home and after they return.

"Punishment for people who abuse workers' rights should be strict, non-discriminatory and not gender-biased," Tati said.

The government submitted the bill to the House earlier this year. Critics have said it places the government and the military in a commanding position over workers.

It allows the government to play a dominant role in the settlement of labor disputes and restricts labor strikes to the company's compound.

The delegation also urged the government to ratify international conventions as suggested by the International Labor Organization and adopt international standards for Indonesian workers.

They also demanded the establishment of Indonesian labor attaches in countries where Indonesians work and to seek bilateral agreements to protect Indonesian migrant workers.

ABRI faction member Suyitno said that international standards are not suitable for Indonesia because local workers' skills were not up to the world standard.

But Tati said that was a mere excuse to keep Indonesian workers' wages low and keep products competitive in the international market.

Indonesian workers' skills are up to par with those of other developing countries, she said. (12)